Created by over 20 artists in collaboration while in lock down, ‘Stay’ is a waiata created with one simple goal - encouraging the people of Aotearoa to “stay home, save lives”.
The brainchild of Te Māngai Pāho and Loop, the track & video were written, produced & recorded remotely by over 20 artists in just seven days, showcasing how New Zealanders are able to pull together in a time of crisis.
All proceeds from ‘Stay’ will be donated to Music Helps, who are doing great things to help those in the music industry affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Stream & purchase 'Stay' HERE.
‘Stay’ was directed by Mikee Tucker, written and arranged by Anna Coddington, Rob Ruha, Scott Tindale and Brad Kora, Ara Adams-Tamatea & Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B), with a wide range of sixteen vocalists featured throughout including -
Anna Coddington, Bailey Wiley, Hollie Smith, Ria Hall, Theia, Fran Kora (
Kora), Jackson Owens, Joel Shadbolt (L.A.B), Kings, Logan Bell (Katchafire), Pere Wihongi (Maimoa), Rei, Rob Ruha, Stan Walker, Tiki Taane & Troy Kingi.
‘Stay’ is the final result, written, recorded & edited in seven days, remotely combining over 20 of New Zealand’s most exciting and well known artists together with a clear and simple message - “this isn’t forever, we’re in this together”.
The idea for ‘Stay’ was inspired by the work of a Uganda music artist that Anaru Mill, Head of government fund Manaaki, had come across in his mahi at COVID Command. Anaru suggested to colleague Te Atawhai Tibble that Kiwi artists should do one. Atawhai called Nadia Marsh, Kaiarahi Puoro at Te Māngai Pāho, to see what could be done. She engaged Mikee Tucker from Loop, and the project began to come together.
“He wairua māhorahora tō te waiata nei, nā te hao kia whakakotahi tātau i a tātau.” (“The spirit of the song is warm & inviting, inspired by the desire to bring people together.”) - Rob Ruha, co-songwriter.
“It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved from lockdown in seven days! A fun project with an important message that utilised the full power of the internet.” - Mikee Tucker of Loop
“Te Māngai Pāho is proud to be able to support this kaupapa. What an achievement to capture so much love and talent in a song in such a short time. We thank and congratulate Mikee Tucker and all the incredible artists whose collaborative breath has given birth to this waiata. Mauri oho, mauri tū, mauri ora!” - Larry Parr, Chairman of Te Māngai Pāho
LYRICS -
We gonna be alright
We gonna be alright
Ka puta ka ora
We gonna be alright
It might be a minute till I see your face
And you know I miss it but we’ll be okay
If we stay.
Taku aroha i kai momotu
But I know we’ll do it I know we’ll get through
If we stay.
I miss my sisters. I miss my brothers.
But we’re in it together. Staying apart for each other.
Da-da-da
Stay with me
Aotearoa whakakotahi rā
Mō ngā mokopuna
Mō ngā whakareanga
Aotearoa – whītiki, maranga
Kia ora tāua tahi, kia ora - ora
With a little bit of passion
A bit of dedication
We gonna be alright
We gonna be alright
Stay
Stay with me
This isn’t forever
We’re in this together
Why don’t you, stay
Stay with me
He tāngamanawa
Kia mau ki a tāua, tāua
Bubbled up and it kind of sucks
We can’t cuddle up
FaceTiming just checking on
if you warm enough
But we gotta do this for
The greater or good
Hopefully when it all over
Touch wood
Wanna be right there with you
we could breathe the same air that's true
till then my love is on lock up
for you it's getting stronger
the distance makes the heart grow fonder
I miss my brothers. I miss my sisters
We’re in this together. Staying apart from each other.
Ko tō manawa, ko tōku manawa
Ka puta ka ora, ka puta ka ora
Stay
Stay with me
This isn’t forever
We’re in this together
Why don’t you, stay
Noho tonu mai, noho tonu mai
Forever, together
You know we got to,
Stay together, this ain’t forever no no
Everythings going to be alright,
You and me just gotta hold tight
We gonna be alright
We gonna be alright
Ka puta ka ora
Ka puta ka ora
